The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present the influence open access initiatives (OAIs) have on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on part of a doctoral research project which examined the crisis in scholarly communication and its effect on university libraries in South Africa that was carried out at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from 2005 to 2009. Part of the investigation focused on open access (OA) and how it influenced journal cancellations. The survey methodology was adopted and the study used a quantitative approach to collect data on the influence of OA. Findings – The findings revealed that OAIs had a very limited influence on journal cancellations in South African university libraries. Practical implications – The study presents data that can be used by university libraries to develop, support and facilitate access to local research. Originality/value – The study provides data on which future developments in OA as a solution to university library journal cancellations could be based.